It's lovely to welcome Darcie Boleyn to Books, Life and Everything to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, Love at the Italian Lake. Darcie is sharing with us her playlist for Love at the Italian Lake. Before we get to read her post, let me tell you a little more about the book.

On the shores of Lake Garda, a beautiful romance unfolds. But is it only for summer?

Sophia Bertoni discovers her boyfriend in bed with another woman, and realizes her life is going nowhere. Leaving her high-pressure job, she travels to Italy to stay with her grandmother while she figures out her next move. When Sophia – quite literally – bumps into devastatingly handsome Joe Lancaster her plans are turned upside down. As the two realize they’re both spending the summer in the same town, a love affair seems on the cards. But Sophia and Joe are both burdened by family secrets.

Despite their attraction, will the sun set on Sophia and Joe’s romance – or will they find love at the Italian lake?

Welcome to Books, Life and Everything, Darcie. Without further ado, here is your music playlist

Thanks, Darcie- great music to listen along to when reading your book- romantic and contemporary.

My Thoughts

This novel opens in London but you are soon transported to beautiful Lake Garda to follow Sophia as she finds out some family secrets and tries to decide what to do with her future. It has all the ingredients of a holiday read- gorgeous setting, romance and the odd obstacle in her heroine's path. I flew through the book and particularly enjoyed the descriptions of life near Lake Garda with the odd trip to Verona, thrown in.

Reading this book was like looking through a book of black and white photographs when Sophia was in London and then suddenly turning the page and being presented with the brilliant Italian sunshine. Life there seemed larger than life. Sophia's Nonna was a delightful character with her own huge secret but her kindness shone through. Another feature which I loved was hearing from Joe and getting to find out what he was thinking. Shifting occasionally to his viewpoint was a refreshing change.

In short: warm and life affirming

About the Author

Darcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.